December is traditionally a slow time for entertainment at Michigan casino stages, but some holiday concerts by Mel and Pam Tillis, The Oak Ridge Boys and others are designed to get us in the mood for the festive season.

For those looking to celebrate the New Year with a memorable concert, two entertainment legends -- Aretha Franklin and Jay Leno -- will help say goodbye to 2008 with New Year's Eve performances.

Soaring Eagle Casino

The Queen of Funk Soul and multiple Grammy winner Chaka Khan lights up the Mount Pleasant stage on Saturday. Tickets are $20-$40.

Holiday Reflections, a family-oriented fun-filled show, features holiday music made famous by such stars as Bing Crosby, Johnny Mathis, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and Diana Ross. It is set for Dec. 20. There are even appearances by Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus. Tickets are $12-$25.

On Dec. 27, blues and rock legend Buddy Guy is joined by the Robert Cray Band. At 72, Guy still is touring and thrilling fans with his solid guitar licks and showmanship. Tickets are $40-$65.

The next day, it's a journey back in time with the Original Voices of Rock 'N' Roll, starring Jimi Jamison, Wally Palmar, Mike Skill, Alex Ligertwood and Tommy Heath. Tickets are $25-$50.

You can ring out the old year and ring in the New Year with the legendary Queen of Soul when 66-year-old Aretha Franklin rocks the house on New Year's Eve. She's a 20-time Grammy winner and never fails to thrill her fans. Tickets are $75-$110.

The casino's Grand Ballroom will host the classic R&B sounds of Boyz II Men on Thursday in the Detroit venue. The Grammy-winning group from Philadelphia features Shawn Stockman, Nathan Morris and Wanya Morris performing their smooth harmonies and synchronized stage moves.

Pam Tillis and her father, Country Music Hall of Famer Mel Tillis, are coming to Sault Ste. Marie with A Tillis Family Christmas on Thursday. The two-hour show also features two of Mel's other children, Mel Tillis Jr. and Carrie April Tillis. Tickets are $42.50. For more information, go to kewadin.com, or call (800) 539-2346.

Island Casino

The Oak Ridge Boys will perform three Christmas Celebration 2008 shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Harris casino. The group's four-part harmony and upbeat performances have resulted in dozens of country and pop hits. Tickets are $35 and are available at the U.P. casino or at (906) 466-2941 or (877) 475-7469. For more information, go to islandresortandcasino.com.

Caesars Windsor

A New Year's Eve Show at this Ontario venue will feature Tonight Show host and noted car buff Jay Leno. His observational comedy style, mixed with storytelling and topical humor is popular with audiences. Tickets are $150.

Benton Harbor native Sinbad will bring his standup comedy act to Windsor on Jan. 2. He launched his career on "Star Search"in the mid-1980s, besting fellow comic Dennis Miller and appearing seven times on the talent show. Tickets are $40.25-$51.75.For information or tickets, go to caesarswindsor.com.